Salamander

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release   March 1, 2007
2007/151

Media Note

Imprisonment of Tunisian Activist

The United States is disappointed to note that March 1, 2007, marks the two-year anniversary of the imprisonment of Tunisian activist lawyer Mohamed Abbou.  Mr. Abbou was convicted in 2005 of defamation of the judicial process and assault after publishing articles on the internet critical of the Government of Tunisia.  The legal processes involving his case were characterized as highly irregular by Tunisian non-governmental organizations and international observers.  We urge the government to carry through on its declared intention to pursue democratic reform, including allowing greater freedom of expression and association and to release all those imprisoned for expression of free thought, including Mr. Abbou.